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Legionnaires welcome new group commander

Col. John Brennan accepts the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Colors from Brig. Gen. Christopher Haas, commander of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command, as he assumes command from Col. Scott Brower during a ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky., July 12, 2013./Courtesy of Spec. Seth Plagenza

Submitted by Maj. Brandon Bissell
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Public Affairs

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – The Soldiers of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), also known as the Legion, welcomed a new commander July 12.

Colonel Scott Brower relinquished command of the Legion to Col. John Brennan during a ceremony held here at Gabriel Field.

Brigadier Gen. Christopher Haas, commander of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), praised Brower for his leadership, high standards, and outstanding results.

“I look back on his [Col. Brower] time here and I can say with great pride that he has performed magnificently in every measure of command,” said Haas. “No one is more responsive to the needs of his Soldiers and our families, no one is more experienced in supporting the operational requirements of the warfighter, and there’s not a better unconventional warfare planner, trainer, or leader in the Regiment.”

Brower, who has been selected to serve as the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, commented on the opportunity to not only command the Legion, but to serve within it for so many years.

“I will carry with me for the rest of my life the pride in having stood amongst you and been called a Legionnaire,” stated Brower. “You are the true standard bearers for our Regiment. Others look to you for an example of right when they aren’t sure what right is. From language to professionalism to the affects you make on the battlefield, there are none better.”

Brower closed by reflecting on the members of the unit and their many accomplishments.

“It isn’t the location or the buildings that make this place so special, although they do help. It’s truly the people that make this place and this Group so very special,” said Brower. “They [Soldiers] constantly hit above their weight class and make a difference so very disproportionate to their size and rank.”

Brennan, the Group’s 35th Commander, recognized the exceptional service of the soldiers standing before him and those currently deployed.

“I have always been impressed by your valor, tenacity and skill and so I am exceptionally proud and deeply humbled to now be considered among the ranks of such a storied unit with an exemplary record of achievement,” stated Brennan. “Members of the Legion have answered the call for over 50 years whenever the Nation has required its selfless service and it continues to be among the most relevant assets available to national policy makers solving some of the world’s most wicked problems.”

Brennan’s last assignment was as the deputy commander of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan.